Urban Studies

The Urban Studies program will help students develop a sophisticated grasp of cities and their role in global affairs. Courses focus on the emergence and growth of cities, the complexities of the urban condition, and the increasing articulation of dynamic urban centers to global political, economic, social and cultural activities.

Urban Studies

Urban Studies Major and Minor

The Urban Studies program is proud to be able to offer both a major and a minor in Urban Studies. Both interdisciplinary programs are available to all Wheaton College students. Because of partnerships with many other departments, students can take advantage of many possible double-majors. The minor complements many other programs of study. Since the Urban Studies program started in 1992, students from over 20 different majors have also studied with us.

Wheaton in Chicago

Wheaton in Chicago (WIC), our semester-long, residential, experiential program, is an integral component of both the major and the minor. WIC is offered every fall semester. Before beginning the program, students participate in pre-field preparations. During the WIC semester, students complete an internship along with advanced courses in Urban Studies, public and political theology, and other urban themed courses such as Race, Poverty and Reconciliation. WIC students will also enjoy a program of spiritual formation tailored for the WIC program, a mentoring experience and specialized leadership opportunities. WIC students live in Wheaton College apartments in Uptown, one of Chicago's most diverse neighborhoods. WIC is an opportunity not only to study in the city, but also to build cross-cultural competencies and to practice vocational discernment. It is recommended that students complete the Wheaton in Chicago semester during their junior or senior year. Find more information on the program and prerequisites and how to apply.

Alumni

Urban studies students have gone on to successful careers in advocacy, the arts, community and economic development, education, planning, policy, public health, social enterprise and social work. Our alumni have secured fellowships,including Fulbright grants, and have gone on to excellent graduate and professional schools in anthropology, economics, geography, ministry, political science, psychology, sociology, theology, urban planning, business, education, law and medicine.

Wheaton College students are urged to take advantage of the College's diverse academic strength in urban studies and its proximity to Chicago in order to globalize and diversify their Wheaton education.